GRE Verbal : Parts of Speech in One-Blank Texts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #411 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

After the scandal, members ______________ the party in large numbers and left it a shell of its former self.

Possible Answers:

evacuated

allayed

cajoled

prorogued

enhanced

Correct answer:

evacuated

Explanation:

The phrase "a shell of its former self" indicates the party shrunk in size. The correct answer will indicate the movement of the members out of the party. "Evacuate," meaning to vacate or empty, is the best choice.

Example Question #412 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

She often overthought things, _________________ on decisions for months.

Possible Answers:

ruminating

calcifying

illuminating

indemnifying

postulating

Correct answer:

ruminating

Explanation:

A few of the choices could fit the sentence, so the best fit must be found. The sentence says she "overthought . . . for months," and the best answer will reflect that deep thought. "Ruminating," meaning to ponder or reflect, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #413 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

Writing closed captioning for live events is difficult, as _______________ every word is nearly impossible.

Possible Answers:

transcribing

excoriating

obfuscating

interpreting

pontificating

Correct answer:

transcribing

Explanation:

THe phrase "writing closed captioning" is the best clue to the answer. The best choice will indicate writing in some manner. "Transcribing," meaning to copy or take down, is the correct answer.

Example Question #414 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The instructor used his last class to ______________ any nerves students had about their driving test.

Possible Answers:

accost

condone

allay

efface

waylay

Correct answer:

allay

Explanation:

The instructor wants the students to do well on their test. With this in mind, the correct answer will indicate some sense of help with their nerves. "Allay," meaning to lessen, is the best choice.

Example Question #437 : One Blank Texts

His lack of self-confidence tended to ____________ his poor athletic gifts.

Possible Answers:

portend

exacerbate

efface

explode

petrify

Correct answer:

exacerbate

Explanation:

The "poor athletic gifts" would be harmed by a "lack of self-confidence." The correct answer will indicate the poor effect. "Exacerbate," meaning to make worse, is the best choice.

Example Question #415 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The boy was a natural rebel, seeking to ______________ any rules or boundaries given to him.

Possible Answers:

embrace

transgress

congeal

condone

perpetuate

Correct answer:

transgress

Explanation:

The boy being a "natural rebel" provides the best clue to the answer. A rebel violates rules, and the correct answer will show that. "Transgress," meaning to violate or disobey, is the best answer.

Example Question #416 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The new non-profit will seek to ______________ famine in war torn areas by directly providing food to refugees.

Possible Answers:

edify

degrade

begrudge

exacerbate

alleviate

Correct answer:

alleviate

Explanation:

"Providing food" means the non-profit will try to eliminate the famine, or at least minimize it, and the correct answer will reflect that. "Alleviate," meaning to make less severe or improve slightly, is the best choice.

Example Question #417 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The leader immediately ______________ the actions of his supporters, claiming they did not represent the whole group.

Possible Answers:

denounced

waylaid

confounded

embraced

condoned

Correct answer:

denounced

Explanation:

The final phrase, where the leader distances himself from his supporters' actions, is the best clue in the sentence. The correct answer will mean to condemn or speak against, the definition of "denounced."

Example Question #418 : Parts Of Speech In One Blank Texts

The young boy was extremely lazy, and had to be ______________ just to get off the couch.

Possible Answers:

deterred

negated

buttressed

cajoled

degraded

Correct answer:

cajoled

Explanation:

Being on the couch is an indication of the boy's laziness, so the correct answer will reflect that the boy had a hard time getting off the couch. "Cajoled," meaning coaxed or convinced, is the best answer choice.

Example Question #731 : Gre Verbal Reasoning

His medical troubles were so costly, his savings account was ____________ in a matter of weeks.

Possible Answers:

waylaid

elucidated

perused

bolstered

depleted

Correct answer:

depleted

Explanation:

The "medical troubles" are outright noted as "costly," which means a savings account would be used "in a matter of weeks." "Depleted," meaning to use up or get rid of, is the correct answer.

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